Other things to consider in Lyme

As you have probably gathered, Lyme is not a straight forward disease. Lyme LOVES company! If you have now tested positive for Lyme, you need to consider looking into what co-infections you may have. Click here for more on co-infections. Lyme is normally treated with antibiotics, but the co-infections require other treatments. I have actually heard from hundreds of Lyme patients that swear that the co-infections are harder to treat and actually make you sicker than the actual Bb (Lyme). I agree, 100%. If you are lucky enough to have an LLMD (Lyme Literate Medical Doctor) then he/she will most likely test you for co-infections. If they don't, that should raise a few red flags in your mind. Like I said, Lyme NEVER EVER travels alone. Any GOOD LLMD will know that. Co-infections are not the only thing that you should be considering when diagnosed with Lyme Disease. Unfortunately, there are tons of other things that are more than happy to hijack a ride and bombard your already struggling immune system. Doctors now know that Lyme just isn't Lyme anymore - it's a whole series of bacterial and viral infections combined with parasites, fungal infections and heavy metal issues. Enter MSIDS - ​Multi Systemic Infectious Diseases Syndrome.

"MSIDS is a symptom complex of Lyme disease and multiple associated tick borne coinfections that encompasses not only infections with Borrelia burgdorferi, the etiological agent of Lyme Disease, but also other bacterial infections, viral infections, parasitic infections, and fungal infections.” - Why Can’t I Get Better? by Richard I. Horowitz, M.D

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So, what else should you be checking? Please note that every single Lyme patient is different. We're like fingerprints. Unique. What is raging in your poor bodies may or may not be raging in mine & my treatment path may not suit you and vice versa. It's like shooting fish in a barrel. Anyway, here are a few of the most common issues that arise in Lyme.

Thyroid

Thyroid issues seem to be very common in Lyme Disease, especially Hashimoto's & Graves (Autoimmune Diseases) & where there is Hashi's & Graves, there will most likely be other autoimmune conditions. A FULL thyroid check is recommended. If your Thyroid isn't working correctly, then your whole endocrine system will be 'off'. If its 'off' then your immune system will be too!

TSH

Reverse T3

Thyroid Antibodies

FREE T3 and FREE T4

Vitamins & MineralsMost, if not all, patients with chronic Lyme suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Chronic infection, along with chronic inflammation and oxidative stress causethis situation. In a depleted state, unfortunately, a healthy diet alone is often unable to completely address the situation. It is recommended that all Lyme patients take a general, high quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement on a daily basis. ** IF you have MTHFR mutations, you might want to be careful with your normal/standard, over the counter vitamins, especially Folic Acid and B vitamins. You may require Folate instead and different forms of B's**

Tests to determine deficiencies

Four iron labs: Ferritin, % Saturation, TIBC and serum iron

Iodine - Iodine plays many different roles in optimizing health and preventing disease. As a result, it is essential that proper iodine intake is maintained and problems associated with either inadequate or excessive iodine levels are identified. Deficiency in particular has become a global health problem. Accurate diagnosis may often be overlooked because the symptoms overlap with those of other illnesses, perhaps masking the problem.

Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin) - Vitamin D is a nutrient that in recent years has become increasingly recognized for its health properties. Additionally, recent research suggests that a high percentage of people in the United States are deficient in vitamin D, especially those who usually receive little to no exposure to natural sunlight on a daily basis. Additionally, vitamin D levels in the body typically diminish after the age of 40. A study published in June 2007 in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that supplementation of vitamin D in older women reduced their risk of cancer by an amazing 60 percent. Among its many important roles, vitamin D helps support the body’s endocrine system, especially the adrenal and thyroid glands. Studies in recent years have shown that vitamin D plays a major role in the regulation (not mere suppression) of the immune system. It has been shown that low vitamin D levels are associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers

B-12 - For patients with significant neurological Lyme problems, it may be important also to order two other tests: (1) homocysteine level and (2) a functional test for vitamin B12 called urinary “methylmalonic acid.” If it is found that you have blood B12 levels less than 500 picograms/milliliter, elevated homocysteine, or an abnormally elevated urinary methylmalonic acid, then intramuscular injections of this important vitamin may be advised, along with supplementing with sublingual B12. If you have MTHFR issues, please click here.

B6 - Vitamin B6 deficiency may cause significant problems also. Among those problems are elevated homocysteine levels, carpal tunnel syndrome, anxiety (especially when combined with a deficiency of the minerals manganese and zinc in a condition called pyroluria—see my Web site for more information), depression (vitamin B6 is a necessary cofactor for serotonin production), premenstrual syndrome (PMS), migraines, kidney stones, tremors, and others.

Folate

Magnesium - Both Lyme and Bartonella significantly deplete the body’s supply of magnesium. Magnesium is one of the most important mineral nutrients necessary for good health, and also one of the minerals that most people in general are most commonly deficient in.

Potassium

Calcium

Vitamin C - Another water soluble nutrient, vitamin C is perhaps the most versatile and important vitamin because of the wide range of functions it supports in the body. Its importance for patients with Lyme has to do with its powerful immune-boosting properties, its effectiveness in fighting infectious microorganisms, and its role as a potent antioxidant and detoxifying agent. It also acts as a natural antihistamine (especially when combined with the bioflavonoid, quercitin), making it an important nutrient for managing inflammation. Vitamin C is also essential for the overall health of the body’s blood vessels, bones, cartilage, joint linings, ligaments, skin, and teeth, as well as for wound healing. Additionally, along with B vitamins, it is one of the most important nutrients for coping with stress and also plays important roles in the metabolism of amino acids and cholesterol and in the manufacture of hormones by the body.

Manganese - In March 2013, Scientists discovered that the pathogen that causes Lyme disease can exist without iron, a metal that all other life needs to make proteins and enzymes. Instead of iron, the bacteria substitutes manganese to make an essential enzyme which eludes the immune system. Borrelia is the first known organism to live without iron. Most pathogens utilize iron, but not Borrelia burgdorferi. It requires unusually high levels of manganese instead. More can be found here.

Aminos - Amino acids are at the basis of all life processes, as they are absolutely essential for every metabolic process. Among their most important tasks are the optimal transport and optimal storage of all nutrients (i.e. water, fat, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins). The majority of diseases such as obesity, high-cholesterol levels, diabetes, insomnia, erectile dysfunction or arthritis can essentially be traced back to metabolic disturbances. More information can be found here.

Sex HormonesHormonal imbalances can cause ALL sorts of issues. Estrogen Dominance, Adrenal Fatigue, Thyroid issues are just a few. There is a great article written by Connie Strasheim called "Heal the Hormones to Heal from Lyme Disease" which is an excerpt from her book (a MUST read) called Insights into Lyme Disease. She shares the thoughts of 13 LLMDs (Lyme Literate Medical Doctors) and their treatment of hormones. See file below.

It would appear that Lyme interferes with the HPA axis (The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis). The HPA axis, which has traditionally been seen as the body's "stress system", and which ultimately controls levels of cortisol and other important stress related hormones, is generally underactive in people suffering from CFS and burnout. New research is beginning to show that the HPA axis should instead be thought of as the body's energy regulator, as it is ultimately responsible for controlling virtually all of the hormones, nervous system activity and energy expenditure in the human body, as well as modulating the immune system. In Lyme the HPA axis becomes suppressed, resulting in the various physical and mental symptoms.

Tests to consider:Complete Hormone Test (Females) - This would include (at the very least)Reproductive (ovaries) hormones: Estradiol (E2 the most potent of the estrogens) Progesterone (Pg), DHEA-s (DS), Testosterone (T), and the four diurnal cortisols (4 x throughout the day)Adrenal hormones: the "master stress hormone" cortisol with four samples taken morning, noon, evening and bedtime to track adrenal function throughout the day.

Complete Hormone Test (Males) - This would include (at the very least)Gonadal hormones: E2, DHEAs (DS), Testosterone and the four diurnal Cortisols. Adrenal hormones: the "master stress hormone" cortisol with four samples taken morning, noon, evening and bedtime to track adrenal function throughout the day.

Candida & Parasite TestingI know, you're shaking your head probably, saying," I do NOT have any parasites." If you have Lyme, YES, you do. If you refuse to accept it and not treat, you won't recover and if by some miracle you do it will take you much much longer. You might rid yourself of the coinfections and Lyme but until you address parasites, you will continue to be symptomatic. Parasites produce 'waste' and that 'waste' is toxic to our bodies. You've gotta address it. So, as for the testing here is what most Lyme patients normally do:

Full screen for candida, and all other yeasts and moulds, full intestinal parasites screening, like worms and single-celled organisms such as blastocystis hominis, amoeba etc., plus sIgA = state of your gut immune system (low immunity or intestinal inflammation),leaky gut (permits allergies, for example food allergies).M2-PK tumour marker, indicating the presence of all colo-rectal tumours, even at an early stage. PLUS investigation for human blood in the stool, Helicobacter pylori (bacterium which causes stomach ulcers) PLUS intestinal inflammation marker (Calprotectin).

I would also SERIOUSLY consider testing for Protomyxzoa Rheumatica. It would appear EVERYONE has this now. The only lab that I know of that tests for this is Frye Labs in Arizona. As far as I know, the only Rx that will kill it is 'Alinia', which is not easy to get. Nutramedix was meant to be creating an herbal formula for PR, but I've not heard of any updates at the time of writing this.

Heavy Metals​There are 35 metals of concern, because of occupational or residential exposure; 23 of these are the heavy elements or "heavy metals": antimony, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, cerium, chromium, cobalt, copper, gallium, gold, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, platinum, silver, tellurium, thallium, tin, uranium, vanadium, and zinc (Glanze 1996). Small amounts of these elements are common in our environment and diet and are actually necessary for good health, but large amounts of any of them may cause acute or chronic toxicity (poisoning). Heavy metal toxicity can result in damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function, lower energy levels, and damage to blood composition, lungs, kidneys, liver, and other vital organs. Long-term exposure may result in slowly progressing physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes that mimic Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. Allergies are not uncommon, and repeated long-term contact with some metals (or their compounds) may cause cancer (CIS 1999).

Symptoms include:

cramping

nausea

vomiting

pain

sweating

headache

difficulty breathing

impaired cognitive

motor

language skills

mania

convulsions

Symptoms of chronic exposure

impaired cognitive, motor, and language skills

learning difficulties

nervousness and emotional instability

insomnia

nausea

lethargy

feeling ill

Symptoms resulting from chronic exposure are very similar to symptoms of other health conditions and often develop slowly over months or even years. Sometimes symptoms of chronic exposure subside; thinking the symptoms are related to something else, people postpone seeking treatment.

I've never spoken to a Lyme patient that didn't have some sort of 'metal' issues. Copper seems to be the main culprit for some reason.

MTHFR Gene Mutation (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Mutations)

MTHFR - stands for Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (the enzyme is in a mutated form when talking about it in these specific cases).

"MTHFR is a common genetic variant that causes a key enzyme in the body to function at lower than normal rate. This can lead to a variety of medical problems, when people with MTHFR are exposed to more toxins than their bodies can handle. There are over 50 known MTHFR variants, but the two prime variants are called 677 and 1298, the numbers refer to their location on the gene. The routine lab test for MTHFR variant only reports on 677 and 1298 as these are the most studied.

"The 677 variant is associated with early heart disease and stroke and the 1298 variant with a variety chronic illnesses. The MTHFR is reported out as heterozygous or homozygous. If you are heterozygous that means you have affected gene and one normal gene. The MTHFR enzyme will run at about 55% to 70% efficiency compared to a normal MTHFR enzyme. If you are homozygous then enzyme efficiency drops down to 7% to 10% of normal, which of course makes a huge difference."

"The worst combination is 677/1298 in which you are heterozygous to both anomalies. Many chronic illnesses are linked to this anomaly. 98% of autistic children have an MTHFR anomaly. Fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, are all conditions associated with MTHFR anomaly."

"MTHFR can make you susceptible to illness because the pathway is the primary source of glutathione production in the body. Glutathione is the body's primary antioxidant and detoxifier. People with MTHFR anomalies usually have low glutathione, which makes them more susceptible to stress and less tolerant to toxins."

"As we age MTHFR problems get much worse due to the accumulation of toxins and the cumulative effect of oxidative stress, which ages our bodies."

Non mutated MTHFR is one of the leading regulatory enzymes of homocysteine metabolism. Homocysteine metabolism is an extremely important factor of our metabolic systems. This process touches many aspects of our general health and is therefore very important.

The MTHFR Mutation is a defective enzyme that hinders this process. The mutation of the MTHFR gene is directly related to hyperhomocysteinemia (high or elevated levels of homocysteine).

High levels of homocysteine can be attributed to many conditions such as:

High rates of dementia /Alzheimer`s due to a decrease in vitamin B-12.

High homocysteinemia can lead to coronary artery disease, common carotid atherosclerosis other Vascular Diseases.

Complications in Pregnancy Due To Neural Tube Defects.

Atherosclerosis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Downs Syndrome

Alcoholism

Osteoporosis

Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Non Insulin Dependant Diabetes

Early Pregnancy Loss

Spontaneous Abortion (Viable Fetus)

Placental Abruption, Low Birth Weight

This is mind blowingly complicated, so, if you test positive for MTHFR or any other mutations (COMT seems common too), it's best if you leave that to the experts. You can find doctors that are willing to do SKYPE consults if you are in a country that isn't 'clued up' on these issues. Here's a link with some resources to get you started, if you do decide to 'go there'. I've covered the basics, only. Maybe I will cover it more in the future, but for now.....

Viral InfectionsI cannot stress enough how important this is. EBV (Epstein–Barr virus) is HUGELY common in Lyme for some reason & it's NASTY. So, if you've been treating for a while and seeing no progress, then this might be the culprit. Obviously, EBV isn't the only one, so consider ALL of the Flaviviruses (I have 8 of those!), CMV (Cytomegalovirus) is also common, Tick Born Encephalitis is another of my MANY coinfections & West Nile as well. There are too many to list, but you get the picture.

Information on this site is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. All information provided is for informational purposes only and represents the experiences and information encountered to date by the creator of STOPTHELYMELIES.com & our guest writers. No warranties are provided as to the validity of any information herein. Errors and omissions may be present. STOPTHELYMELIES.com does not take responsibility for the accuracy of any information and suggests that you do your own research and consult directly with your personal doctor. Always seek the advice of your physician before making any treatment decisions. SEE MORE